Position Overview

The Director of Athletic Bands will oversee and coordinate all aspects of the university’s athletic band programs, including the recruitment and overall development of the members of the Butler University Marching Band (BUMB) and the Butler University Basketball Band (BUBB). This position requires a dynamic leader who can inspire student musicians, enhance the visibility of the bands at athletic events, and foster community engagement through musical excellence and spirited performances.

Two of Butler’s key strategic goals are “to create an intentionally diverse, inclusive, and equitable campus community,” and to “build a culture of empowerment, engagement and accountability.” The successful candidate will actively contribute to building an inclusive learning environment for an increasingly diverse student population.

Responsibilities

The job requires the following:

• Teaching
  • Maintain a 12 TCH per semester teaching load in the School of Music, as assigned by the Director of the SOM
  • Supervise undergraduate and graduate assistants
  • Additional teaching responsibilities could include music education courses, conducting courses, or courses in other areas of the candidate’s expertise
  • Academic advising, student mentoring, attendance at faculty meetings (area, department, college, and university), committee participation, and service to the university and community
• Program Development:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive vision and strategic plan for the athletic bands
  • Create engaging musical arrangements that enhance the athletic experience at home games and events
• Rehearsal and Performance Management:
  • Conduct regular rehearsals, ensuring a high standard of musicianship and performance
  • Coordinate performances at athletic events, including football, basketball, and other sporting activities
  • Participate in student affairs and university-wide events and committees such as Homecoming, Family Weekend, and First-Year Orientation
• Student Leadership and Mentorship:
  • Recruit, train, and mentor student leaders within the band program
  • Foster an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages student participation and leadership
• Collaboration and Communication:
  • Work closely with athletic department staff and other university departments to promote athletic band activities
  • Communicate effectively with students, parents, alumni, and the community regarding band events and initiatives
• Administrative Duties:
  • Manage the budget for the athletic bands in collaboration with the School of Music Budget Officer
  • Oversee equipment and instrument inventory, maintenance, and purchasing
  • Facilitate travel to NCAA events at the conference, regional, and national level
  • Hire and supervise additional teaching staff including, but not limited to: color guard, drumline, drill instruction
• Recruitment and Retention:
  • Develop recruitment strategies to attract new members to the athletic bands, including outreach to local high schools
  • Implement retention strategies to maintain student engagement and participation
• Alumni Relations:
  • Cultivate relationships with band alumni to foster ongoing support and involvement in university activities

Required Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in music from an accredited institution; a doctorate is preferred
• Experience directing a marching band
• Demonstrated ability to write computer-assisted marching band drill and arrange marching band music
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate and collaborate on the branding and marketing of the athletic band program through multimedia, including social media 

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, athletic department, and University administration

Application Requirements

Review of applications will begin December 9, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. On-campus interviews will take place in early to mid-February.

Applications should include:

• a cover letter, which includes a description of the candidate’s commitment to and experience in advancing equity, inclusion, and access in their teaching and or professional work;
• current curriculum vitae; a
• contact information for three references for professional work in athletic bands.
• Sample of Musical Arrangements; rehearsal or performance
• Sample of Drill Design; rehearsal or performance
• Sample of Administrative Duties/Organization to demonstrate expertise in profession, e.g., travel schedule itinerary, band day logistics, competition hosting

About Butler 

Butler University, one of the nation’s leading master’s comprehensive universities, was founded in 1855 by abolitionist Ovid Butler on the principle of equal access to higher education regardless of gender or race. The School of Music, one of the first schools in the country accredited by NASM, enrolls nearly 200 majors pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in a wide variety of curricula including performance, music education, composition, and jazz studies. The Jordan College of the Arts includes the School of Music as well as the departments of dance, theatre, arts administration, art, and the Butler Community Arts School, an arts education program where Butler students serve as Teaching Artists. The Jordan College of the Arts fosters an inclusive and welcoming learning community to develop students as artist-citizens through innovative arts education, professional study, and experiential learning.

Butler University is located north of downtown Indianapolis, which is the home to Music for All/Bands of America, several professional recording studios, Yamaha Artist Services, Indianapolis Opera, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, the American Pianists Association, and many other prominent music organizations. Butler University was recently ranked the No. 1 Midwest Regional University by US News and World Report. 

Butler University is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, gender, gender identity, sex, race, religion, color, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other legally protected category.